Selectively-extendable modular lighting fixture and method

ABSTRACT

A modular, linear-type lighting fixture may include an elongate housing having lengthwise ends, and a pair of endplates adapted for sealing attachment to either lengthwise end of the housing, each of the endplates having respective perimeter surfaces adapted for attachment to any one of a bridge adapted for angularly-directable extension of the housing, a bridge adapted for linear extension of the housing, and an endcap. A modular lighting fixture may include first and second elongate housings each having ends, pairs of endplates for being respectively mated with the first and second ends of the first and second elongate housings, the endplates each having a rim, and a bridge adapted for joining one of the endplates of the first elongate housing with one of the endplates of the second elongate housing by sealing cooperation with the respective rims thereof. A lighting fixture may have one or more isolated raceways therein.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of patent application Ser. No.10/943,692, filed Sep. 17, 2004 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,984,055 which was acontinuation of patent application Ser. No. 10/156,423, filed May 28,2002, now abandoned.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The invention relates generally to a lighting fixture and, moreparticularly, to a modular lighting fixture adaptable for beingimplemented in various shapes and configurations.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many different types of lighting fixtures, including elongate fixturesfor various applications and locations, are known in the art. Suchfixtures have been installed for illuminating stores, offices,supermarkets, schools, hospitals, banks, and other interior and exteriorareas. Appreciating the versatility of such lighting fixtures, includingthe many engineering designs and configurations, there remains a needfor improving versatility and adaptability of a lighting fixture, inorder to facilitate and enhance particular applications.

Traditional lighting fixtures are not readily adaptable for adjustinglength and changing physical configuration. In particular, conventionalstructures and lighting methods are not adapted for selectivelyimplementing fixtures having different shapes.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide an improved system forimplementing lighting fixtures overcoming some of the problems andshortcomings of the prior art, including those referred to above.

Another object of the invention is to provide a modular lighting systemeasily adaptable for creating different shapes and configurations inlinear lighting applications.

Another object of the invention is to provide a lighting system thatprovides one or more isolated raceways for other distributionapplications, for example low voltage wiring, fiber optics, and others.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a system forsealingly connecting linear lighting modules to one another.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a modular lightingsystem that allows a designer to implement linear lighting using anynumber of modules having selectable lengths.

How these and other objects are accomplished will become apparent fromthe following descriptions and drawing figures.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the invention, a modular lighting fixtureincludes first and second elongate housings each having ends, first andsecond pairs of end plates respectively mated with the ends of the firstand second elongate housings, the end plates each having a peripheralrim, and a bridge adapted for joining one of the end plates of the firstelongate housing with one of the end plates of the second elongatehousing by sealing cooperation with the respective peripheral rimsthereof.

According to another aspect of the invention, a modular lighting fixtureincludes first and second elongate linear housings each having ends, anda bridge adapted for sealingly connecting one of the ends of the firstelongate housing to one of the ends of the second elongate linearhousing, and for angularly disposing the second elongate linear housing.

According to another aspect of the invention, a modular lighting fixtureincludes a first elongate housing having ends, an end plate adapted forsealing connection to an end of the first elongate housing, and a bridgefor sealingly connecting the end plate to at least one additionalstructure, the bridge being one of an L, T, +, and X type.

According to another aspect of the invention, a modular lighting fixtureincludes first and second elongate housings each having ends, and abridge structured for sealing connection of the first and secondelongate housings to one another at respective ones of their ends;wherein the first and second elongate housings, when so connected, arenon-colinear.

According to another aspect of the invention, a modular lighting fixtureincludes an elongate housing having lengthwise ends, and a pair ofendplates adapted for sealing attachment to either lengthwise end of thehousing, each of the endplates having respective perimeter surfacesadapted for attachment to any one of a bridge adapted forangularly-directable extension of the housing, a bridge adapted forlinear extension of the housing, and an endcap.

According to another aspect of the invention, a modular lighting fixtureincludes an elongate housing having two ends, and at least one end plateengageable with one of the ends of the elongate housing, where, when theend plate is engaged with the elongate housing, at least two isolatedraceways extend through the elongate housing and the end plate.

According to another aspect of the invention, a modular lighting fixtureincludes first and second elongate housings, two endplates, each havingtwo non-symmetrical end walls, disposed between the first and secondelongate housings, an elongate lens attached to the first elongatehousing, and a gasket disposed between the lens and the first elongatehousing for providing fluid-impervious sealing between the lens and thefirst elongate housing.

According to another aspect of the invention, a modular lighting fixtureincludes a lighting fixture module having ends, and an end plate affixedat each of the ends of the lighting fixture module, the end plateincluding an arcuate, inwardly-directed groove adapted for sealinglyreceiving an end edge portion of a lens.

According to another aspect of the invention, a modular lighting fixtureincludes an elongate lighting fixture housing having ends, a pair of endplates respectively affixed at each of the ends of the lighting fixturehousing, and an elongate lens adapted for mating attachment to thelighting fixture housing and having flanges along elongate sides thereofthat overlie the lighting fixture housing.

According to another aspect of the invention, a modular lighting fixtureincludes a lens having a flange extending symmetrically along each oftwo longitudinal edges of the lens, and a linear-type lighting fixturehousing having slot-like grooves extending along sidewalls of thehousing, the grooves being adapted for receiving respective ones of theflanges therein, where attachment of the flanges in the grooves effectsfluid-impervious sealing between the lens and the housing.

According to another aspect of the invention, a method of modularlighting fixturing includes providing an elongate first housing havingends, and providing a pair of endplates with respective perimetersurfaces adapted for mating attachment to either end of the firsthousing, each of the endplates being attachable to any of anangularly-disposing bridge, a ring, and an endcap, where the bridgedefines a structure adapted for angularly-directable extension of thefirst housing, and where the ring defines a structure adapted for linearextension of the first housing.

According to another aspect of the invention, a method of lightingincludes providing a fluid-impervious lighting fixture adapted for beinginstalled as any of an individual linear housing section, a continuouslighting fixture made up of individual linear housing sections, and ageometric linear lighting fixture made up of individual linear housingsections.

According to another aspect of the invention, a method includesproviding a selectable number of linear lighting modules each adaptedfor being joined at an end thereof to an end of another of the linearlighting modules, each of the linear lighting modules being of aselectable length, and joining the selected number of linear lightingmodules together to form a lighting fixture having two isolated racewaystherein.

According to another aspect of the invention, a method of providing alighting fixture includes providing first and second housing sectionseach having opposite ends, mounting an endplate to the opposite ends ofeach of the first and second housings, and sealingly joining togetherone of the mounted endplates for each of the first and second housingsections, thereby sealingly connecting the first and second housingsections to one another.

As a result of implementing certain aspects of the invention, lightingfixtures may be characterized as providing “selectably extendable andangularly-directable linear lighting.” For example, by joining a numberof modules, sections, or housing components to one another at endportions or segments thereof, a lineal array of selectable length orlineal expanse may be provided as required or desired. Alternatively,the fixture may consist of two linear arrays connected at ends thereofto define an angle, for example a 90 degree juncture or corner. Inanother example, lineal sectors or sections may be oriented with respectto one another to provide various different geometric configurations orshapes. Accordingly, a large variety of lighting design choices may beimplemented efficiently. In addition, a structure according to theinvention also provides fluid-impervious sealing.

Other and further objects, features and advantages of the invention willbecome apparent from the following further description considered withthe drawing figures.

The foregoing summary does not limit the invention, which is insteaddefined by the attached claims.

BRIEF OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a luminaire-type linear lighting fixturemodule having an endcap, according to an exemplary embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 2 shows two modular lighting fixture sections joined endwise to oneanother through an interposed coupler ring, according to an exemplaryembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary perspective view of a body section of a lightingfixture with an end plate affixed to the body section of the lightingfixture for attachment to an end cap, according to an exemplaryembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a partially-exploded fragmentary perspective view showing anend of a body section of a lighting fixture module with an end platesecured in place for attachment to a ring-type coupling bridge,according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is an elevational view of an end plate for mounting on an end ofthe body of a housing section of a lighting fixture module, according toan exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is an elevational view of a ring-type coupling bridge secured tothe end plate of FIG. 5, according to an exemplary embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary upward perspective view, with parts omitted forclarity, showing a housing section having an end plate with a couplerfastened thereto, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along the line 8-8of FIG. 2, and illustrating a manner of securing one housing section orlighting fixture module to another, according to an exemplary embodimentof the invention.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are fragmentary, cross-sectional views taken along theline 9-9 of FIG. 2, with parts omitted for clarity, according to anexemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view of two modular sections joined to oneanother at right angles by means of an “L” type connecting adapter toform an L-node or corner mode assembly, according to an exemplaryembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a schematic plan view showing three lighting fixture modulesconnected to a joinder adapter configured as a “T” node, according to anexemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 is a schematic plan view of four lighting fixture modules joinedto a rectangular, four-place coupler to form a “+” node type lightingfixture assembly in which the four modules arms extend at 90 degreeswith respect to adjacent modules, according to an exemplary embodimentof the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a lighting fixture module 24 that may beconfigured in any of several different forms, in this case beingconfigured as a single module fixture 20 by adding endcaps 52. Module 24may also be referred-to herein as “housing section 24” that includes abody section 10 and a pair of end plates 34. Module 24 may also includea lens 80.

FIG. 2 shows a dual-module lighting fixture 30 having two housingsections 24. The two housing sections 24 of fixture 30 are securedend-to-end to one another at respective facing end plates 34 thereof(e.g., FIGS. 3-5, 7, 8), by a coupler 40 interposed between therespective end plates 34.

Either fixture 20, 30 may be securely mounted at respective generallyplanar bases 48 thereof to a ceiling or similar structure 50. Free endsof housing section 24 may be sealed at end plates 34 thereof with fittedend caps 52. End cap 52 abuts and is securely mounted to end plate 34,as shown by way of example in FIG. 3. Each housing section 24 includesopposed lineally-extending side walls 56, 58 extending co-extensivelywith base 48 at elongate upper edges 64 and 66 thereof.

Housing sidewalls 56, 58 of elongate modular lineal section 24 areformed of an extruded high-strength metal alloy, such as aluminumalloys, as a body portion 10 of each modular sections 24. Sidewalls 56,58 are formed at opposite elongate edge portions thereof withchannel-like, downwardly-opening grooves 96, 98 that matingly receivetherewithin the elongate free edge portions of lens 80. A gasket (notshown) may also be used for sealing the elongate sides of lens 80 withelongate grooves 96, 98 of housing 24. Lens 80 is preferably formed of ahigh strength plastics composition.

Elongate, sheet-like, arcuate lens 80 extends generally along the bottomof housing section 24 and is secured at its lengthwise sides tolongitudinally extending lower free edges 72, 74 of the opposedsidewalls 56 and 58 of housing section 24. In one embodiment, lens 80has upwardly-directed flanges 86, 88 (e.g., FIGS. 9A-9B) thatrespectively seat within downwardly-opening elongate grooves or slots204, 206 in endplate 34 and in channels 96 and 98 formed in lower freeelongate opposed edge zones 104 and 106 of housing sidewalls 56 and 58.

Each endplate 34 is formed at an inner face thereof with an arcuate,inwardly opening slot or groove 200 extending along a boundingperipheral edge zone thereof for slideably receiving, to seat in sealingengagement therewith, an end edge portion of lens 80, thereby providingsealing engagement of lens 80 with groove 200. The inner face of endplate 34 is also formed for accepting therewithin, in mating and sealingengagement, the extruded housing 24.

For example, downwardly-projecting strips 110, 112 respectively extendlongitudinally along a lineal expanse of sidewalls 56, 58. At their freeend edges, strips 110, 112 respectively abut in sealing engagement withendplate 34. Channel 200, which opens outwardly, is contoured,configured and sized at its opposite lateral portions for receiving inclose and sealing engagement therewithin the respective opposed edgeportions 72 and 74 of the sidewalls 56 and 58.

As shown in FIGS. 9A-B, a die cut gasket 120 may be interposed tosealingly engage the strips 110, 112 and lens 80. As shown in FIGS.9A-9B, channel 200 of endplate 34 may be aligned with correspondingchannels 96, 98 of housing 24.

End plates 34 are structured in a skeletal, bridge-like manner formating engagement and positive attachment to each end of housing section24, thereby providing through-frame openings. Skeletal adapter ring 40is attachable to either end plate 34 for facilitating attachment of anadditional housing section or module 24 to provide a lighting fixturecomprised of two or more modular housing sections 24.

End plates 34 may be formed as high-strength castings having a metalcomposition, preferably being composed of a lightweight material such asan aluminum alloy. End plates 34 have an inner face perimeter contourcorresponding to a perimeter contour of the combined end-wise edge ofthe housing section 24 including an attached lens 80. The outer faceperimeter contour of end plate 34 corresponds to a perimeter contour ofthe ring 40, endcap 52, or other bridge being attached to end plate 34.For example, end plate 34 may have a perimeter shoulder 205 forsealingly engaging either an inner rim 226 of coupler ring 40 or aninner edge 160 of end cap 52 to be secured thereon.

Ring 40 has a circumscribing top wall that is integrally formed withlaterally extending ring-like flanges 220 dimensioned and configured tooverlie in sealing engagement therewith a mating 152 wall of endplate 34formed adjacent shoulder portion 205.

As shown by way of example in FIGS. 3 and 4, an end plate 34 is securelyengaged with body portion 10 at each end thereof, thereby forming ahousing section 24. End plate 34 has a plate-like, skeletal body 142having a plurality of through openings or passageways 134, 136, 138 and140 formed therein. Such passageways 134, 136, 138, 140 provide wirerouting structures that facilitate passage therethrough of electricalwires, illuminating sources, other electrical components, and relatedstructures such as various cabling, adapters, etc. As described in moredetail below, passageways 134, 136, 138, 140 may each be parts ofindividual isolated raceways extending the entire length of module 24 byincluding enclosed passages within body portion 10. Housing section 24has a top flange 148 which extends continuously along a top end edge ofthe base 48 for sealing engagement with end cap 34. Integrally formedwith and co-extensive with the top flange 48 and stepped downwardly withrespect thereto is a second flange 152.

End plate 34 is formed with opposed upper side sectors 190, 192 and acontinuing lower arcuate section 196 thereof. As shown in the interiorview of FIG. 7, the interior side of end plate 34 has an uninterruptedchannel 200. Channel 200 is configured and sized for receiving insealing engagement therewith the end portions 81 of lens 80. Channel 200of endplate 34, as shown by example in FIGS. 9A-9B, haslaterally-extending portions 202, 203 structured for respectivelyreceiving outward-extending flanges 114, 116 of lens 80. Similarly,vertically-oriented flange portions 86, 88 of lens 80 respectively fitinto channels 204, 206 of endplate 34. Die-cut gasket 120 may be formedin an appropriate manner for sealing of endplate 34, for example bybeing interposed for sealingly engaging strips 110, 112 and lens 80.Gaskets can include die-cut gaskets and the like. Lens 80 providesdistribution of illuminating light emanating from the fixture, and ispreferably composed of a high-impact, shock-resistant plasticcomposition, such as an acrylic plastic or a polycarbonate plastic. Asshown in the example of FIGS. 9A-9B, lens 80 is formed to engage channel200

End cap 52 is integrally formed with a flange 156 projecting outwardlyalong a top, free edge 158 thereof. When end cap 52 is positioned inplace to mate with and close the end of housing section 24, the topflange 156 of end cap 52 is brought to overlie and to effect a sealingengagement with flange 152 of housing section 24. An arcuate lowerflange 160 of end cap 52 engages and seals with a cooperating lowerflange 164 of end plate 34. End plate 34 is positively secured to theend of body portion 10 of housing section 24 with screws (not shown).

End cap 52 is integrally formed with connector posts 170 and 172projecting from the interior of the end wall 176 at opposed uppercorners thereof. A third connector post 180, also integrally formed withthe end cap 52, projects inwardly from the interior of the end wall 176at a central lower area thereof. When cap 52 is positioned in place, thefree ends of posts 170, 172 and 180 penetrate to seat, respectively, incooperating outwardly-presented bores 184, 188 and 186 formed in endplate 34.

Housing sections 24, which may be of any practical selectable lengths,each have an end plate 34 at lengthwise ends thereof. Outer faces of endplates 34 of two linearly adjacent housing sections 24 are broughtmatingly to engage an interposed coupling ring 40, thus to effect asealed joinder of the two adjacent housing modules 24. For example,lighting fixture 20 has a single module 24 of selectable length;alternatively, any number of modular sections 24 may be joined to oneanother endwise as a lineal or in-line array, such as two-modulelighting fixture 30 shown in FIG. 2 with coupler ring 40 being used tolineally connect modules 24 as shown in FIG. 4. Such is effective toprovide a lineal lighting fixture of any desired or required expanse.

In the example where two or more housing sections 24 joined endwise as acontinuous uninterrupted physical structure (e.g., FIG. 2) with acoupler ring 40 (e.g., FIG. 4), coupler ring 40 has generally a contourand form compatible with end plate 34 and is preferably formed as ametal casting of an aluminum alloy or similar material. Coupler ring 40is formed with a plurality of through openings 210, 212, 216 and 218.Such openings essentially correspond with openings formed in the endplate 34 and are in through registry therewith when end plate 34 andcoupler ring 40 are joined together in an assembled lighting fixturehaving a plurality of body sectors or modules 24.

Coupler ring 40 has a transversely-extending generally planar topsurface 220 and an arcuate bottom surface 228, the flange-like top wall220 extending laterally of the body 224 at each of opposed sides thereofeffectively to provide two opposed flanges straddling a center portion22. Flange-like top wall 220 may be engaged with a downwardly displacedor stepped flange 152 of an end plate 34. End plate 34 is secured tobody portion 10 of housing module 24 as previously described. A secondlighting fixture module 24 may be fastened, at its secured end plate 34at the opposite, co-extensive second part of the flange 220 thus toeffect a coupling of two housing sections 24 to one another endwise. Inthe manner described, it becomes simple and quick to produce a row-mountlighting fixture having a selectable number of separate housing sectionseach being of a selectable length. Thus, one may readily assemble alighting fixture of any final overall length, as may be required ordesired.

A lighting fixture may include either a single module 24 of selectablelength or, alternatively, a plurality of modular sections, sectors, orhousing sections 24. Such may be joined to one another endwise as alineal or in-line array. The method is readily effective to provide alineal lighting fixture of any desired or required expanse. Many otherembodiments of the invention are possible. Modular sections 24 maybecoupled at joined ends thereof to extend normally to one another todefine a right-angle corner. Others may be connected by means of aT-shaped coupler to form a “T”. Still other modular sections, ofselectable lengths, may be connected to form an “X” or a cross “+”.Since each module 24 has end plates 34 attached thereto, the chosencoupler is adapted to be secured to the respective end plate 34.

Referring now to FIGS. 10, 11, and 12, lighting fixture embodiments arenot limited to extending along a straight line, but may include othergeometric configurations. For example, referring first to FIG. 10, thereis shown a fragmentary view of a lighting fixture having two modularsections 24 oriented to extend orthogonally with respect to one another.A generally rectangular connector 230 with an “L” shape has a pair ofadjacent sides 232 and 234 to which ends 236 and 238 of the modularsections 24 are sealingly joined to form a corner assembly. Theresulting fixture having an L shape is suited, for example, foraccommodating sharp bends, and for corner installations. Variouscombinations may be implemented. For example, a use of four such Lconnectors 230 and four modular sections 24 may be assembled to providea lighting fixture in the physical configuration of a closed rectangular“loop.”

In another example of a non-linear embodiment, FIG. 11 shows a generallyrectangular connector 240 having three sides 242, 244, 246 to whichthree corresponding separate modular sections 24 of the fixture areconnected. The assembled fixture of FIG. 11 thus assumes a “T”configuration.

Yet another embodiment of the invention is depicted in FIG. 12. Asshown, a four-sided rectangular connector 250 has four sides to which acorresponding end 252, 254, 256, 258 of a separate module or fixturesection 24 is joined. There results a fixture having a cross (“+”) typeconfiguration. Further, an “X” type configuration of a lighting fixturemay be formed. It will be appreciated that, through the selection anduse of appropriate connectors, various open and closed loop lightingfixtures may be provided.

Individual and joined bridges and/or housing sections 24 of a givenlighting fixture establish therein, and along an entire expanse thereof,uninterrupted passageways. Such passageways may include “raceways” foraccommodating wires, cables and the like. Such may be effectivelyisolated from ballasts and lamp wires. By providing physical barriersestablishing and effectively separating a number of isolated raceways,for example, a passageway for the ballast power feed wires of afluorescent lighting fixture does not interfere with the isolatedraceways. Such a physical structural arrangement is highly desirable andis considered novel. The structural arrangement and configuration oflighting fixtures in accordance with the present invention may beutilized for effecting important physical separation of high voltage andlow voltage wiring. The utility and versatility of such lightingfixtures are thereby enhanced. The structures of end plate 34 andcoaxial coupler ring 40 are skeletal in construction with a plurality ofthrough openings or passageways or runs. Such may provide couplingelements of extended raceways between modules 24

For example, items that may be safely housed in an isolated raceway suchas one contained in fixtures according to the present invention, include24-volt alarm circuitry, such as wiring for a fire alarm, fibre opticnetwork cables, thermostat wires, telephone wires, etc. Suchcapabilities provided by the present invention are believed to becapabilities unique in lighting fixtures of a general linear type.

It may be especially advantageous and convenient to fabricate all of themodular body sections 24 of a lighting fixture to be a same length.However, such arbitrary uniformity is in no sense a requirement.Conveniently, for example, individual luminaires may be formed usingsections 24 nominally 8″×24″, 8″×48″, 8″×60″, etc. Other embodiments maybe formed using sections 24 nominally 12″×24″. 12″×48″, 12″×60″, etc.

As a result of the present invention, an extendable modular lightingfixture may be structured to provide interconnections having physicaland electrical continuity. Such a structure is effectively tolerant ofand resistant to physical abuse as well as to environmental hazards. Thelighting fixture may include a linear illumination source and a lightingtrack in the housing, the lighting track including a passagewaystructured for accommodating electrical conductors for connecting thelighting fixture to an independent electrical power supply. Wire-waysmay be formed within the lighting fixture for accommodating conductivewires. The lighting fixture may further include a gasket seated andsecured in the housing along an expanse thereof and in sealingengagement for sealing the housing against invasion by objectionableambient and foreign substances. A lighting fixture may further include agasket disposed between the body of the fixture and its lens forestablishing a fluid-impervious seal between the body of the fixture andthe lens. Various structures may be used to establish a fluid-imperviousseal between the body of the fixture and the lens.

A method of making and assembling a lighting fixture having anyselectable length and finding utility in ceiling, wall and cornerinstallations including suspended mounts may include utilizing modularcomponents in selectable numbers, each component being of any desiredlength, the components being connectable to one another endwise as asealed, operating assemblage constituting a lighting fixture. A methodmay include mounting an end plate 34 on the housing-like body section 24coaxially therewith at each end thereof.

A method may include fabricating any of the various components, such asby casting. A method may include forming the end plates 34 to define aparametric contour corresponding to a parametric contour of each endedge of housing section 24, including a surmounting lens 80 of housingsection 24. A method may include casting end plates 34 to define alattice-like wall configuration including a plurality of dividers andthrough openings demarking passageways in end walls of housing section24. A method may include forming an end plate 34, at aninwardly-presented limit thereof, with a coupling structure for engagingend structures of functionally-united, inter-coupling and extending endsincluding extrusion and lens 80. A method may include forming a side orface of end plate 34, opposite the side of lens 80, with acircumscribing perimeter shoulder for selectively sealingly engagingeither one of a coupler ring to be sleevedly attached thereto, or an endcap of another module 24.

Further, a method may include forming a casting as a bilateral couplerto be secured to a free end of an end plate 34 mounted on an end of abody section 24. Such a casting may be formed as a ring 40 including ata circumscribing top wall thereof integrally-formed, laterally extendingring-like flanges each being dimensioned and configured to overlie insealing engagement therewith a mating top wall of an end plate 34. Suchmay provide a positive endwise joinder of two housing sections 24 to oneanother in a lineal array. A method may include forming an end cap 52 ofa unitary one-piece configuration having a base, an upstanding endwall,and a top, and defining an integrally-formed, uninterrupted,circumscribing free edge contoured to be congruently fittable over acorresponding circumscribing parametric shoulder of end plate 34 insealing engagement therewith.

A method may include forming plastics lens 80 to define along eachextending edge thereof with an angled flange for overlying an edge ofthe coextensive extruded base of housing or body section 24. A methodmay include forming end plate 34 at an inner face thereof with anoutwardly opening slot or groove extending along a bounding coextensiveedge zone thereof for accepting therewithin, in mating and sealingengagement therewith, the extruded metallic base component of thehousing and the plastics lens thereof.

A method may include configuring end plate, at one of its faces, todefine an end face contoured for mounting thereon and affixing thereto,selectively, either an end cap 52 for capping and closing housing 24 ofthe modular structure, or a ring 40 in the form of a band-like coupler.The method may include configuring such a coupler for sealingly mountingonto end plate 34 of housing 24 for joining the end of housing section24 to an end plate 34 of a housing body of a second modular housingsection 24 of the lighting fixture so that the sections are sealinglyjoined to one another endwise.

A method may include forming an endcap 52 with an integral,circumambient, outwardly-projecting, flange-like edge portion configuredto overlie, in sealing engagement therewith, a perimetric shouldercircumscribing an outwardly presented face of an end plate 34 attachedto housing 24.

While the principles of the invention have been described in connectionwith presently preferred embodiment of the present invention, it will beunderstood by those skilled in the art that many changes in constructionand widely differing embodiments and applications of the invention willsuggest themselves without departing from the scope of the presentinvention, as defined in the claims. The disclosures and the descriptionherein are intended to be illustrative and are not in any sense limitingof the invention, defined in scope by the following claims.

1. A modular lighting system comprising: a first elongate housing havingopposite lengthwise ends; an endplate structured for fasteningconnection to one of the ends of the first elongate housing, theendplate having a lens-receiving face on a first side and anadditional-structure-connecting face on a second side facing away fromthe first side, the second side having an outer perimeter portion and aperipheral surface offset inwardly with respect to the outer perimeterportion; and an additional structure having a peripheral edge withsubstantially the same contour as the peripheral surface on the secondside of the endplate, the additional structure being connected to theendplate in that the peripheral edge of the additional structure isproximate and outward of the peripheral surface on the second side ofthe endplate.
 2. The modular lighting system of claim 1 wherein theadditional structure is one of: (a) a bridge adapted forangularly-directable extension of the housing, (b) a bridge adapted forlinear extension of the housing, and (c) an endcap.
 3. The modularlighting system of claim 1 wherein the additional structure is anangularly-directable extension type bridge.
 4. The modular lightingfixture of claim 3 wherein the angularly-directable extension typebridge is one of an L, T, and X type.
 5. The modular lighting fixture ofclaim 1 wherein the additional structure is a linear extension typebridge.
 6. The modular lighting fixture of claim 1 wherein theadditional structure is an endcap.
 7. The modular lighting fixture ofclaim 1 further comprising a plurality of screws or bolts furthersealing the additional structure to the endplate by fastening.
 8. Themodular lighting fixture of claim 1 wherein the peripheral edge of theadditional structure is snug against the peripheral surface on thesecond side of the endplate.
 9. The modular lighting system of claim 1wherein: the perimeter portion and the inwardly-offset peripheralsurface of the second side of the endplate extend substantially fullytherearound; and the peripheral edge of the additional-structure extendssubstantially fully therearound proximate to and outward of theperipheral surface on the second side of the endplate.
 10. A modularlighting system comprising: a first elongate housing having oppositelengthwise ends; an endplate structured for fastening connection to oneof the ends of the first elongate housing, the end plate having alens-receiving face on a first side and anadditional-structure-connecting face on a second side facing away fromthe first side, the second side having an outer perimeter portion and afirst peripheral surface extending in a lengthwise direction, the firstperipheral surface being inward of the outer perimeter portion; and anadditional structure having a second peripheral surface extending in alengthwise direction with substantially the same contour as theperipheral surface on the second side of the endplate, the additionalstructure being connected to the endplate with the second peripheralsurface being proximate to and in overlying mating engagement with thefirst peripheral surface of the second side of the end plate.
 11. Amodular lighting system comprising: a first elongate housing havingopposite lengthwise ends; an endplate structured for fasteningconnection to one of the ends of the first elongate housing, theendplate having a lens-receiving face on a first side and anadditional-structure-connecting face on a second side facing away fromthe first side, the second side having an outer perimeter portion and afirst peripheral surface inward of the outer perimeter portion; and anadditional structure having a second peripheral surface with asubstantially similar contour as the first peripheral surface on thesecond side of the endplate, the additional structure being connected tothe endplate with the second peripheral surface of the additionalstructure being proximate to and in overlying mating engagement with thefirst peripheral surface on the second side of the endplate.